Roger Gutierrez, Stagg High School’s Special Education department chair who also oversaw the Learning Center for the specialist students, is leaving the campus after 12 years to take on an administrative role at Franklin High School, his alma mater.
Gutierrez began working at Stagg in December, 2013, after spending 14 years at a non-public school. He said his transition to Stagg was eased through his involvement with the Therapeutic Intervention Success program, which mirrored his previous role.
“Stagg has truly been my home away from home since December 2013,” Gutierrez wrote in an email to staff and faculty announcing his departure.
Gutierrez has served at Stagg for 12 years since December 2013. During his time on campus, he led the Special Education department and managed the Learning Center, which provides academic support and structured assistance to struggling students. The center has served 337 students in December and 358 students in January, offering services such as college and career awareness and academic assistance.
“These experiences have been incredibly meaningful and have shaped me both personally and professionally,” Gutierrez wrote.
Gutierrez said he decided to pursue the administrative position at Franklin because of his personal connection to the school and its leadership. He graduated from Franklin in 1989 after attending all four years. He said he recently observed the school’s administrative team and was drawn to their collaborative work ethic and consistent focus on students’ best interests.
In his message to staff, Gutierrez thanked colleagues for their support and expressed confidence in the department’s future. “I am confident that the Special Education Department will continue to thrive under the leadership of highly capable colleagues,” he wrote.
Gutierrez’s final day at Stagg was on Friday, February 13, and he began his new role at Franklin on Tuesday.
Special Education Teacher Kathryn Corona-Jackson will replace Gutierrez as the department’s chair.
